‘Notch’ Smartphones To Lose Ground In 2018

Spurned by Apple’s iPhone X ‘notch’, several smartphones makers – such as Huawei, Oppo and possibly LG – have integrated the unique design element into their new flagships, however, according to recent supplier news, the fad is forecast to lose ground this year.

Oppo’s recently released ‘R15’ features an iPhone X-esque notch, as does Huawei’s new P20. As previously reported, LG’s forthcoming G7 is tipped to have a ‘notch’ also.

[Huawei P20]

[Oppo R15]

According to Taiwanese trade publication, DigiTimes, several market analysts question whether ‘U-shaped’ notch smartphones will gain further growth this year, following restricted support from app developers, and weaker than expected iPhone X sales.

Analysts forecast the ‘penetration rate’ of notch smartphones is unlikely to achieve “explosive growth” in 2018. Devices are tipped to hit around 20%, with the majority stemming from Apple.

Apple reportedly reduced its order of AMOLED panels for the first half of 2018 – from 40 million to 25 million – following lower than anticipated iPhone X sales.

Some sources claim Android smartphone makers will refrain from integrating ‘notches’, because of Apple’s patents for the ‘U-shaped’ design.

Some vendors affirm higher production costs associated with ‘notch’ smartphones will lower the number of new releases this year, specifically in the premium market.